The Weigh-In

During our recent RSV appointment the kids had their monthly weigh-in. And what a weigh-in it was. Grace is a whopping 9lbs 4oz. Being a little on the short side, she is at 100% of her height-to-weight ratio. We just think of her as a high achiever. Hopefully she will grow into her weight. Everett is slow and steady at 9lbs 4oz. Being the only boy, he has to work twice as hard as keeping up with his "older" sister Gracie. And bringing up the rear is Avery, weighing in at 8lbs 12oz. Even though she eats like a horse, she maintains her long & lean physique. At this rate they should be hitting the 10lb mark in no time.
-- Mommy

A Walk in the Clouds

With the weather being unusually warm, we decided to take our first stroll out in the real world. And being the typical over-protective mom, I made sure everyone was over-dressed in sweaters, booties, hats, mitts, and snow-suits. All 3 were less than happy with mommy's decision to go for a walk but most of all Everett. But once we got him out in the fresh air, Mr. Sunshine was back. Grace did not even make it out of the garage before she fell fast asleep. Avery was the only interested party.

So Grandpa Howatt, myself and the 2 dogs set out on a lovely stroll. Seeing as this was our first walk, I wanted to test out the all-terrain capability of the new stroller, and hit the back trails. However Grandpa was less than enthused, and convinced me to stick the easy trails. Equipped with their crash helmets, I think I will head out today and go for another walk.
-- Mommy

Thanks

I just want to take this opportunity to thank all the people who generously donated the many boxes of clothes (Mona, Mary-Lou & Lisa) With 3 kids to clothe, everything has certainly come in handy.
Thanks to Mrs. Venedam, Kirk & Ann Sinclair for knitting the adorable sweaters & hats. Thanks to Jason's grandfathers relatives in Quebec for knitting the blankets. They are all used often.
Thanks to my former Grade Control project group for the very generous gift bag filled to the rim with baby necessities.
Thanks to everyone for all the thoughtful gifts, they are all much appreciated.

--Mommy

And its not just gas!

On Sunday November 19th, 2006, Grace Linda Simpson had her first real giggly smile. We had been trying to make them smile for quite a while now, so it was quite surprising when this one actually looked real. I understand now when parents talk about their childrens "firsts". I can honestly say there is no better feeling in the world than seeing the joy in their face and the smile in their eyes. I can't wait for more.

-- Mommy

Weekend Visitors

Over the weekend we had a few visitors. Shawn & Jen visited us with their newest addition Bruin. Weighing in at almost 20 lbs, I was astounded at how large babies actually get. Maybe it was becasue I was so used tiny lightweights, that I never really thought about how I was going to hold 60 lbs of human. Looks like Jason will have to head back to the gym.
Along with the family visit, John & Donna Kelly arrived to get the first peek. They quickly snagged a baby each and quite comfortably rocked them to sleep. They looked quite at ease but this was not unexpected as John & Donna's daughter recently gave birth their 1st granddaughter Ella Grace.
As everyone already knows, but for those who do not, all vsitors are welcome. If you want to see them awake the best time is at feedings (9-1-5). On most days there is no baby shortage so your chances of getting one is pretty good.
-- Mommy

Mr. Sunshine is here!

As this is my first post on the blog, I will try to be as creative as Jason.

Well despite our best efforts, Everett has been type-casted as the "sad" one. Right from birth, he has always been a little weepy. But who can blame him, saddled between 2 girls, who I think, will over-rule him in years to come. However in recent days the clouds have lifted and Mr. Sunshine has come out.

But thanks to Dawna & Robert, who generously donated their grandsons 'Kick & Play', Everett has found his nirvana. For those non-parents out there, the Kick & Play is a bouncy chair that makes sounds and lights up when struck in a particular spot. Unlike the girls, he had always tolerated the swing but never really 'enjoyed' himself up until now that is. Once he got that bouncy, rocking motion it was nothin' but smiles and happy days.

-- Mommy

Nanny Di and Grandpa Rick help out big time!

Well last Monday I had to return to work. I love my job, but being home with the kids was so rewarding. When I had to go back to the mining operation, Kris and I knew my hours and workload would seriously diminish my ability to pitch in and help. With one child, so many moms pick up the slack, with three, help is mandated. Kris and I have been blessed with help from two key people.

Rick has been a solid soldier since we brought them home. He shows up every morning before the 9am feeding complete with coffee for us and timbits for Riley! He feeds babies, changes diapers, sterilizes bottles, and makes formula all day. He sneaks out between feedings, but rarely misses a single 9-1-5-9 appointment.

Nanny Di pro-rated her annual salary to take three months off and get us through this crunch time. Leaving her friends, house, and hubby Bob for a resolute Sudbury winter, she cooks dinner, does the laundry, and helps out overnight. The cost; a plane ticket and TV in her room, fair deal I think.

So what the heck do Kristen and I do you might ask? Well with three babies, there seems to be work for everyone, but without them, it would be simply impossible. Kris and I would have to get in hired help, but what could be better than having family play such an intimate role in the early months and years of their lives. The payoff for Rick and Di? An unbreakable bond formed from the early nurturing, discovery, and learning time with the babies.

We will all look back on this time with fondness and warmth. Rick and Deanne, thank you for your investment.

Is there anybody out there?

I would love to hear from some of the website visitors. Please leave a comment if you have time so I get an idea of who is visitiing. I know it is more than Shannon and Michelle!

Can you tell them apart yet?

Let's Roll....

We had lots of family outings last week for the nutritionist, shopping trip, vaccinations, and RSV injections. The prep time is shrinking with all three changed, dressed, buckled in, and cozied up in less than 15 minutes. Of course they are not crawling away from us yet.

Killer Bunny!?!

That's no ordinary rabbit. That's the most foul, cruel, and bad tempered rodent you ever set eyes on. This rabbit has a vicious streak a mile wide, it's a killer. He' got huge sharp......he can leap......I'm warning you! See some rare footage of this vicious beast in action.

Mommy is starting to relax a bit.....

....but this is getting crazy. Here is mom in bed with two fussy farts one morning. They are all starting to sleep less so we are having to come up with new tequniques of keeping them happy. Laying with mommy or daddy is always a crowd pleaser. Of course in a pinch a dog will work too!